Spire recognized for strong support of employees in the Guard and Reserve  

The natural gas provider was honored for going above and beyond to support military employees

ST. LOUIS (Aug. 16 , 2021) – In recognizing Spire for its commitment to supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve, the Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) honored Spire and three of its employees with recent awards.

During a ceremony at Spire’s headquarters on Aug. 12, Spire received ESGR’s prestigious Pro Patria Award, which is the single-highest level award bestowed by the organization’s State Committee and its second highest award. 

In addition, ESGR recognized Spire employees Allan Moore and Laura Bettag with its Patriot Award, and Sondra Brown with the ESGR Seven Seals Award for their individual support of Guard and Reserve employees. Spire employees who serve nominated them for the award. The natural gas provider has 27 employees who currently serve in the Guard and Reserve, and nearly 6% of the company’s total workforce claims veteran status.

ESGR is a Department of Defense program that promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve. 

“There are companies who view their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve as a distraction,” said Lee Metcalf, Missouri ESGR Chair Emeritus. “In turn, those employees go off to serve their country concerned about if they have a job when they return, when actually they need to feel supported and secure so they can keep their minds on the mission.”

Lee continued, “Spire has been intentional about relieving anxiety for employees who are called to duty by assuring them that they are supported and have the same opportunities to return to. The support Spire has demonstrated is inspiring.” 

In the coming weeks, Spire will receive a Freedom Award Certificate for being one of Missouri’s top nominations for the Secretary of Defense 2021 Employer Support Freedom Award.  There were 3,382 Freedom Award nominations submitted nationwide. 

“It’s an honor to receive recognition for simply doing what we feel is right,” said Gery Gorla, Spire chief human resources officer. “We have deep admiration for our brave employees who sacrifice so much to protect this country. Although we miss their teamwork and leadership while they’re away, we will continue to do our part to make sure they feel supported and valued by Spire.” 

Spire provides a wide range of support and benefits to employees who are engaged in active military duty including time off, pay differentials, retirement benefit credits, in addition to promoting employee accomplishments and supporting veterans through volunteerism and local celebrations.

“While deployed in 2020, I felt like Spire didn’t view it as time away from my job, but that my deployment was value added to my professional experience,” said Mike Schormann, Spire manager of crisis management. Schormann nominated Spire for the ESGR recognition. “Year after year, this has been the kind of support I’ve grown to know and sincerely appreciate, working at Spire. Their support has been paramount for me to successfully achieve my military goals.”

For more information about Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, visit esgr.mil and to learn about careers at Spire, visit jobs.spireenergy.com.